The airport is, of course, a great source of joy, but there is an even greater joy: that which embraces you in an airplane. It reaches its climax when you sit at the window and the plane takes off from the ground - Amélie Nothombe.
Airports are a parallel reality. Other energy. Behind the apparent chaos is a well-established scheme. In this reality, hopes soar and land every minute. Airports are noisy anthills of human destinies - Elchin Safarli.
The theme of the airport has always been difficult for me. In general, at airports, I always suffer from spatial idiocy and rush like a rabbit from one check-in counter to another and convulsively think: Where to go next? Oh God, passport control, oh God, customs.
The airport for me is a huge city that opens doors for me to new world. I always worry when I go to the airport. I am excited when I take off. I also admire the "flying swallows" who work on board and with whom I had the honor to work on improving my English.
So, let's see a typical airport dialogue.
Agent: What is your final destination?
Dan: Los Angeles.
agent: May I have your passport, please?
Dan: Here you go.
agent: Are you checking any bags?
Dan: Just this one.
agent: OK, please place your bag on the scale.
Dan: I have a stopover in Chicago – do I need to pick up my luggage there?
agent: No, it'll go straight through to Los Angeles. Here are your boarding passes - your flight leaves from gate 15A and it'll begin boarding at 3:20. Your seat number is 26E.
final destination- final destination.
checking- here in the meaning of register, put under control.
on the scale- on the scales
stopover- stop, transfer before the final destination.
go straight through- when you are told that the baggage "go straight through" it means that it will go to the final destination.
boarding passes- tickets
begin boarding- start landing
seat number- seat number on the plane
gate- boarding gate.
Conversational phrases.
- “Where are you flying today?” Where are you flying to today?
- “What's your final destination?” What is your final destination?
- C heck your bags - means check in luggage.
- Carry-on bags - hand luggage that we take with us and check through the rays.
- “Excuse me, where is the American Airlines check-in desk?“Excuse me, where is the American Airlines check-in counter?
- “Where is terminal 4? “Where is terminal 4?
- “Where is gate 36?” Where is passage 36?
- “How many bags can I check?” How much baggage can I check in?
- “Will my luggage go straight through, or do I need to pick it up in ?” Will my luggage go all the way or will I have to intercept it in Chicago?
- “How much is the fee?” If your baggage exceeds the limit, you will have to pay a fee depending on the excess weight.
“ Please mark these bags "fragile". Please mark your luggage as "fragile". It is marked when fragile items are transported in baggage.
“Is the flight on time?” Departure on time?
“ There's a 20-minute delay". Delay for 20 minutes.
- Has your luggage been in your possession at all times? Has your luggage been with you all this time? Possession (ownership).
- Are you aware of the regulations regarding liquids in your carry-on? Are you aware of the rules for transporting liquids and hand luggage?
- Are you carrying any firearms or flammable materials? Are you transporting weapons or explosive materials?
- Have you left your luggage unattended at any time? Have you left your luggage unattended?
- Has anyone given you anything to carry on the flight? Has anyone given you anything to carry on the plane?
We passthroughservicesecurity.
X-ray machine- x-ray machine that checks luggage.
metal detector- metal detector
conveyorbelt - baggage belt .
bins- boxes for transporting things
Customs conversation.
agent: Please lay your bags flat on the conveyor belt , and use the bins for small objects.
Dan: Do I need to take my laptop out of the bag?
agent: Yes, you do. Take off your hat and your shoes, too.
take off - take off yourself.
agent: Please step back. Do you have anything in your pockets – keys, cell phone, loose change?
Dan: I don't think so. Let me try taking off my belt.
agent: Okay, come on through.
come on through - go through
agent: You're all set! Have a nice flight.
“ you’ reallset “It's all right, come on in.
Boarding announcements.
- “T here has been a gate change.”
Boarding gate number changed. - « Flight 880 to Miami is now boarding.” Flight 880 to Miami is open for boarding.
- “Please have your boarding pass for boarding.”Please have your boarding ticket.
- “We would like to invite our first and business class passengers to board.” We want to invite first and business class passengers to board.
- “We are now inviting passengers with small children and any passengers requiring special assistance to begin boarding.” We are currently inviting passengers with small children and passengers who require special assistance to board.
- “We would now like to invite all passengers to board.” We invite all passengers to board.
- “This is the final boarding call for the flight 880 to Miami.”
Last boarding call for Flight 880 in Miami. - “Passenger John Smith, please proceed to the gate 12.”
- Passenger John Smith please go to the 12th gate
In airplane.
flight attendants.- stewards, stewardesses.
flight attendant: Chicken or pasta?
Dan: Sorry?
flight attendant: Would you like chicken or pasta?
Dan: I'll have the chicken.
flight attendant: Anything to drink?
Dan: What kind of soda do you have?
flight attendant: Coke, Diet Coke, Sprite, Orange, and Dr. Pepper.
Dan: A Diet Coke, no ice, please.
flight attendant: Here you go.
Dan: thanks.
- “Can I have a pillow?”May I have a pillow?
- “Can I have a blanket?” May I have a blanket?
- “Can I have a pair of headphones?”/ “Could I have a headset?”Can I have a pair of headphones?
- “Could I have some water/coffee/tea?” Can I have water, coffee, tea?
- “Could I have some extra napkins?” Can I have some more napkins?
My favorite idioms.
Just in case – Just in case. “I don’t know if it will rain today, but I will bring an umbrella just in case.” I don't know if it will rain, but I will take an umbrella.
Summer is coming, and many are planning a trip to the sea. But in order to fly somewhere, you need to get to the airport, get a boarding pass, go through customs control. And if your luggage is lost or there are any other problems at the airport of an English-speaking country, then due to not knowing the words on the topic of the airport, English language, you may have serious misunderstandings with the help desk employee or other airport employees.
This situation happened to me too. Unfortunately, at that time I did not have professional English, and because of this there was a problem at the airport. During a trip to the Maltese Islands, my luggage was lost in Italy. I really didn’t know what to do, but pulling myself together, I went to the information desk, showed with gestures that I didn’t have a bag. Then, fortunately, the helpdesk worker showed me a picture of different types of bags. This helped me a lot and saved me from unnecessary explanations. But it was a very stressful situation. I don't think you would like to be in the same situation at the start of your holiday. After all, we want to spend a vacation from start to finish, without thinking about any problems and worries. Save words on the topic of the airport in English or take it with you on a trip.
Luckily after 2 days my luggage arrived at my place. I left all my worries behind and continued my vacation.
Words related to airport in English:
to travel by air - travel by plane
adult's fare - adult ticket
child's fare - children's ticket
one-way ticket - one-way ticket
round trip ticket (a return ticket) - round trip ticket
package tour - complex tour
direct trip (a non-stop flight) - non-stop flight
destination - destination, destination
domestic flights - domestic flights
international flights - international flights
first-rate seat - a seat in the first class
flight - flight; flight
flight 727 - flight 727
the Moscow (New York, Boston) flight - Moscow (New York, Boston) flight
I.D. card (I.D. - identification) - identity card
nonsmoking section - non-smoking areas
I'd like two seats in the nonsmoking section, please.
smoking section - places for smokers
to cancel a reservation - cancel a ticket reservation
to confirm a reservation on the phone - confirm the ticket order by phone
to fill out a form - fill out the form
to hold a reservation - leave the order for the client
crew - 1. crew 2. crew
air hostess - stewardess (stewardess)
navigator - navigator
pilot - pilot
air terminal - airport terminal
boarding - boarding a plane
boarding pass - boarding pass (pass)
check in - register
check-in - registration
baggage check - baggage receipt (claim tag)
be overweight - weigh too much (about luggage)
be underweight - weigh too little
excess weight - excess weight
desk - desk
to register a ticket at the desk - register a ticket at the ticket counter
lounge - 1. waiting room 2. lounge; living room 3. sofa
departure lounge - drive
transit lounge - hall for transit passengers
gate - input, output; gate, gate
waiting room - waiting room
runway - runway
altitude - altitude (above sea level)
to lose altitude - lose altitude
crash - disaster
speed - speed
hijacking - aircraft hijacking
disembark - 1. disembarkation 2. disembark, unload
landing - aircraft landing
take-off - takeoff
to board the plane - board the plane
cabin - 1. cabin, aircraft cabin 2. hut; booth
cockpit - cockpit
fuselage / body - fuselage
undercarriage
wing - wing
tail - tail
aisle - pass
window - window
Inscriptions and pointers
EMERGENCY EXIT
FASTEN SEAT BELTS - Fasten your seat belts
FLUSH - Flush water (toilet)
STAFF ONLY - Only for staff
TOILET / LAVATORY OCCUPIED - The toilet is occupied
TOILET / LAVATORY VACANT – Toilet free
ARRIVALS - Arrival
DEPARTURES - Departure
The plane is considered the safest and most convenient way to travel, especially over long distances when you need to swim across the ocean or reach the opposite edge of a huge mainland. Often tourists meet phrases in English at the airport, the meaning of which they do not know. What are the main terms, what do they mean and where can you find them? This article will help you understand.
Common terms in English: what they mean
What English words tourists can meet in the building of the airfield, airport or train station.
First of all, "airport" - in fact, the "airport" itself:
- "waiting area" - a similar phrase means a waiting area where passengers can rest if they arrive before the start of boarding;
- "conveyor belt" - after checking the documents, the employees will ask the passenger to place the checked baggage - "baggage conveyor";
- "schedule" - a landing schedule or, more simply, a schedule, information is regularly updated there and you can immediately see delays or transfers of flights;
- "delay" - a delay, if this word is suddenly displayed on the scoreboard along with the name of the desired flight, then it will be late;
- « estimated” translation into Russian at the airport is an approximate time. Usually found on the scoreboard next to the name of the flights, which means that this is an approximate (not exact yet) departure / departure time;
Airport signs
- "departure" - departure, which means - the time of the expected departure of the aircraft is indicated;
- "seat" - a place, this word can be used by employees inside the aircraft, showing the passenger where to sit;
- "call off" / "call in" - recall / call;
- « departed” translated into Russian at the airport means departure, so the plane takes off or departs at the time indicated there;
- "leave" - leave or leave, may refer to baggage / hand luggage or flight;
- "transfer" - transfer, this can be specified by the cashier or the employee who checks the submitted documents;
- "seat belt" - each passenger must necessarily check its presence and performance, seat belt;
- "till" - usually this word is accompanied by another - "before" or "until";
- “drop” is the standard translation of “drop”, but if related to the terms found at the airport, then it means like “decrease”, used as “the plane is going down”.
Important! Regardless of the peculiarities of the language, the procedure for accepting documents and checking luggage is the same everywhere. Therefore, it is better to get a ticket, passport, coupon in advance and keep them nearby. If there are terms such as “delay” or “estimated” on the scoreboard next to the name of the desired flight, you should clarify their meaning with the employee. Perhaps the flight was delayed for some unknown reason.
Where what terms are used at the airport
The word "landed", often used with others, means "landing". For example, landed translation at the airport means that the plane has landed (sat down): "aircraft landed" - "the plane has landed."
"Booking office" - an expression meaning "cash desk" where you can purchase or change an existing ticket. More often, a ticket is purchased online in advance, but it happens when flights are rescheduled or a person changes their own plans. To make an online purchase at the airport, there is a “book online” service - “booking via the Internet”.
It doesn’t matter how the tickets were originally purchased, but, in addition to them, any passenger will need a “boarding pass”, in other words, a “boarding pass”.
Attention! Without a ticket, they will not let you through the “check-in for the flight” - in English this is “check-in for the flight”.
Most airlines allow passengers to print coupons at the same time as the purchased ticket. When purchasing a ticket, you should specify in advance whether a return is required. This will be asked by the cashier at the airport in English.
After checking in, the passenger proceeds to the “custom service” customs control hall, where he may be asked to show the bag, go through a special archway. Customs officers ask standard questions: do passengers have dangerous / prohibited items, is it possible to inspect luggage. They will ask you to get everything metal.
Registration
Landing. When customs control is finally passed, the next stage is the landing of the plane. All announcements should be carefully monitored. For example, if the scoreboard at the airport shows “aircraft landed” and for some time, then the plane landed at that time.
"Customs" - the place where customs control will be carried out. The sign is located at the entrance to the customs area. This is found in terminals, airports and train stations. Required to screen passengers departing/arriving from international flights.
"Concession stand" - here you can relax, have a bite, especially when you have a long and difficult journey - "snack bar". Such words are located in front of the entrance to small cafes or bars inside the airport building.
"Lavatory" - toilet, the word is found inside the airport, aircraft. If you can’t find it yourself, you can check with the employees located there.
Interesting! It is possible to get lost inside the airport if you do not know what the identification plates mean. However, any building of this kind is provided with a floor plan, in addition, you can ask a security guard or an employee of the information desk.
Pointers
What inscriptions can be on the scoreboard next to the flight indication:
- “boarding” means landing;
- "cancelled" - sometimes instead of it you can see "diverted" - it turns out, the flight is canceled;
- "check in" - registration has clearly begun, usually the inscription is supplemented with the number of the desired registration desk;
- "scheduled" - sometimes you can see "on time" instead - everything is fine, the plane takes off as usual, according to the schedule;
- "delayed" - the word is supplemented with time (50 m late) - the flight is delayed by the time indicated there;
- "departed" - alas, the flight has departed;
- "final" - sometimes this word is indicated with time, which means that the final time is visible.
So, the order of the words and the types of inscriptions may vary. Different airports follow their own rules. However, this does not change the meaning of the basic terms. So landed translation at the airport on the scoreboard will always help the traveler to catch his flight on time and not get lost in this airport "kitchen". It is also worth remembering that there are two scoreboards, one is needed for arriving, the second for departing.
First, rejoice and look forward to a pleasant flight and a change of scenery. Secondly, be careful and catch your flight.
And now in more detail.
BEFORE ARRIVAL AT THE AIRPORT
1) Calculate the time of arrival
The best way to find out is to read their recommendations on the airport website. But if this is not possible, then you can calculate the time of arrival, knowing some facts.
Most airports recommend arriving at the airport no later than two hours before departure. At some especially large (or especially poorly optimized) airports, you should arrive three hours in advance. For example, Domodedovo in Moscow. If you are new to flying, and the airport from which you need to fly is rather big - feel free to come three hours in advance - you will have time for everything and you will be less nervous. If there are no borders between the points of departure and arrival, and therefore there is no border control, you can reduce the time by half an hour. If you check in for the flight online and fly only with hand luggage, in this case you save another 10-30 minutes (depending on whether you need to present a visa at the check-in desk or not, more on that later).
2) Find out from which terminal the departure
There are airports where the terminals are very close to each other (for example, in Borispol (Kyiv)), and there are where you need to go 20-30 minutes (for example, in Delhi). In the latter case, a mistake with the terminal can cost you an air ticket or an astronomically valuable taxi. As a rule, on the boarding pass (if you checked in online) or on the sheet with information about your booking, the terminal number is indicated next to the name or is the last single number / letter in the name. If you can’t find it in any way, look on the Internet - perhaps this airport has only 1 terminal or it’s clear where all international flights depart from.
IN AN AEROPORT
1) We look at the board of departures (departures) and look for our flight
It is convenient to search, as all departures are sorted by time. You need to be sure to check the flight number in order to make sure that you have found yours. See also the name of the airline. This is necessary to get to the right landing - at large airports, especially during the holiday season, flights to the same city can depart almost at the same time.
So, we found the right line with our flight. We look at the extreme right cell - if it is empty, then the check-in for the flight has not yet begun at all, and you can relax. 2 or 2.5 hours before departure, numbers will appear here - these are the numbers of check-in counters where you need to go to get a boarding pass, check in your luggage, or if you already have a boarding pass (in cases with low-cost airlines) for the so-called visa- check - visa checks. Also in the flight status it will be written - check in - this means that the check-in has already begun.
By the way, more about the inscriptions on the scoreboard. There you are super short dictionary:
check in- check-in
delay- Flight delay
cancel- flight cancellation. In case of cancellation, find your airline representatives at the airport and ask them what to do. If you can't find them, show your reservation and nod expressively at the scoreboard to any airport employee - he will orient you.
last call — « last call” - registration is about to end, run as fast as you can to the counter if you have not already done so.
go to gate- go to the gate - the inscription is shown approximately 2-3 minutes before boarding the plane
boarding- boarding the plane, at this time you must strictly be at the desired gate.
2) Go to the front desk
When you see the numbers of the racks (even if the check in sign itself has not yet appeared), immediately head to them, do not hesitate, because you may be at the end of the line, and as a beginner, you better be closer to its beginning.
On the rack:
- Show your passport ticket reservation,
- ask for a window seat if you want
- check in luggage
- get a boarding pass (if you do not have a low-cost),
- put a mark on the boarding pass (print) that everything is in order with your visa (in case you are flying to Europe with a low-cost airline)
– we will find out where to go next (even if you don’t know the language at all, after all the procedures at the counter are over, just make an inquiring face and mumble, turning your head: “aaaeeee ??” - believe me, you will not be sent, but directed to the right place.
We look at the boarding pass and see that another time has appeared there - as a rule, 20-30 minutes earlier than the departure time - this is the boarding time and it is by this time that you will need to go to the gate, the number of which is also on your boarding pass. Until that time, you need to have time to go through an inspection for prohibited items and go through border control, if it exists between countries.
3) We go to the inspection
Again, without stopping, we go to the inspection - it is there that they will show you the way at the front desk. At the screening, hand luggage, as well as all metal and computer (belts, keys, coins, laptop, tablet, phone, etc.) will need to be placed in a special box, and at this time you yourself will go through a metal detector. These procedures are quite fast, but there is always the possibility that someone will take more time and the queue will be delayed.
4) Passport control, duty free and gate area
After passing through security, you are already in the gate area, hooray! Check your watch and look at the board with the timetable in this part of the airport - sometimes it happens that an hour before takeoff the gate number is transferred - first of all, believe what is written on the board. In extreme cases, you can always show your boarding pass to an airport employee - he will help you.
If you need to go through passport control, get in line - this is a rather long procedure, especially if there are already a lot of people in front of you.
As Anthony Price aptly put it, the devil redesigned hell by learning about airport planning. Indeed, travelers sometimes have to wander around the airport for a long time, hoping to find the right gate or exit in principle. It is especially difficult for those who are abroad: without knowledge of English, it can be very, very difficult to navigate the terrain. But what if the flight is very soon, and you have forgotten English? For you, we have developed a complete and understandable phrase book on the topic "English at the airport", as well as detailed instructions about how to navigate at the airport abroad. At the end of the article, free material with all the phrases is presented, as well as a dictionary with useful vocabulary on the topic “English at the airport”.
So, you have decided to go abroad by plane. A trip to another country promises to be exciting, and you are already happily packing your bags. However, once again putting the cat out of the bag, you suddenly remember that on the way back you will need to book a ticket, communicate with airport and customs officials - and all this will have to be done in English. It is good that we have foreseen this situation and have prepared for you the simplest instruction with useful phrases in English for communication at the airport. Learn and enjoy!
Ticket booking
You can order a ticket (to book a ticket) online, by phone or at a special point of sale. Imagine that you buy a ticket at the box office. Do not forget to clarify the details about the flight (a flight): are there intermediate landings, is it possible to take a seat at the window (a window seat), are discounts provided for your ticket. Use our selection of phrases for ordering tickets in English.
| Phrase | Translation |
|---|---|
| Starting a conversation | |
| I'd like to make an airline reservation. | I would like to book a plane ticket. |
| I'd like to book a seat to Moscow. | I would like to book a ticket to Moscow. |
| One business class / economy class ticket to Moscow, please. | One ticket to Moscow in business/economy class, please. |
| I'd like to make a reservation on the Moscow flight. | I would like to book a ticket for a Moscow flight. |
| I'd like to make a reservation on the 7.45 evening flight from London to Boston. | I would like to book an evening flight from London to Boston at 19:45. |
| Ticket price questions | |
| How much is an air ticket to Moscow? | How much does a plane ticket to Moscow cost? |
| How much is a child's ticket? | How much is a child ticket? |
| Is there any discount? | Are there any discounts? |
| Flight questions | |
| What flights are to Moscow Domodedovo? | What flights are there to Domodedovo Airport in Moscow? |
| Is it a connecting flight? | Is this a connecting flight? |
| Does the flight land somewhere before the final destination? | Does this flight have stopovers? |
| Is that a direct flight? | Is that a direct flight? |
| Where do we land before the final destination? | Where will we have an intermediate landing? |
| How long does the flight take? | How long is the flight? |
| Do they serve food? | Will they be fed during the flight? |
| What can I take to the cabin? | What can I take with me to the salon? |
| Wishes for the place | |
| I'd like a window seat, please. | I would prefer a window seat please. |
| I'd like an aisle seat, please. | I would prefer a seat next to the aisle, please. |
| Clarifying questions | |
| Is there a bus to the airport? | Is there a bus to the airport? |
| What time do I have to check in? | What time should I check in for a flight? |
| Where do I check in? | Where do I check in? |
| When is boarding time? | When is the landing? |
| When does boarding begin? | When does boarding start? |
The operator will explain all the details to you and ask clarifying questions in English.
| Phrase | Translation |
|---|---|
| Where will you be flying? | Where are you flying to? |
| What is your final destination? | What is your point of arrival? |
| Do you prefer a window seat or an aisle seat? | Do you prefer a window seat or an aisle seat? |
| Flight number 777 will take off from LaGuardia Airport at 7.45 PM. | Flight 777 will depart from LaGuardia Airport at 19:45. |
| The plane starts boarding at 7 p.m. | Boarding for the flight will begin at 19:00. |
| Boarding will start 45 minutes before the departure time. | Boarding will begin 45 minutes before departure. |
You can call back a few days after booking a ticket and confirm the reservation, change the ticket or report the cancellation of the reservation. Do this with the following phrases:
| Phrase | Translation |
|---|---|
| I'm calling to confirm my reservation for tomorrow. It's on British Airlines flight 777. | I'm calling to confirm my booking for tomorrow. This is British Airlines Flight 777. |
| I'd like to change my reservation. | I would like to change my booking. |
| I'd like to cancel my reservation. | I would like to cancel my booking. |
Now let's imagine a different situation: you were going to be abroad for a couple of weeks, but a few days after your arrival, your boss calls you and says that you need to urgently return to work. In this case, you urgently stuff all things into a suitcase and leave for the airport to buy a ticket for the first flight. You can use the same phrases as when booking at the box office. Here are a couple more suggestions you might find useful:
| Phrase | Translation |
|---|---|
| When is the next flight to London? | When is the next/nearest flight to London? |
| Will this flight leave on time? | Will this flight depart on schedule/on time? |
| Can I get my refund for another ticket? | Can I get a refund for another ticket? |
If you book a ticket online, it is important for you to remember a few words and phrases. Consider the form of purchase using the example of the AZair service.
| Word/Phrase | Translation |
|---|---|
| return | A round-trip ticket |
| one way | A one-way ticket |
| take me anywhere | take me anywhere (search for suitable destinations according to your parameters) |
| search might take a little longer | search may take a little longer |
| cheapest flights between dates | the cheapest flight within the specified time period |
| when to fly | when is the flight |
| depart soonest on | departure not earlier |
| return latest on | return no later than |
| fly on fixed dates | fly on certain dates |
| I want to stay... days | want to stay for... days |
| advanced search parameters | advanced search settings |
| return to same depart airport | return to the same airport from which you departed |
| return from same arrival airport | return from the same airport you arrived at |
| stop over time | transplant duration |
| outbound time | flight time to destination |
| inbound time | return flight time |
| transfer only inside Shengen area | transfer only in the Schengen area |
| allow ground transfer between airports | allow ground transport between airports |
| travelers | number of passengers |
| adult | adult |
| child | child |
| infant | baby |
| only direct flights | only direct flights (no transfers) |
| I don't mind waiting at the airport overnight. | I don't mind spending the night at the airport. |
| next flight can be next day | next flight could be the next day |
| show prices in... | show prices in... |
Arrival and registration
We think it is not worth reminding you once again that you need to arrive at the airport 2-2.5 hours before departure, then you will calmly resolve all issues and be on time for the flight.
if you have e-ticket We recommend that you print it out in advance. In addition, you can check in online (online check-in) for the flight in advance and receive a boarding pass (a boarding pass), which will indicate the number of the terminal (a terminal) where you need to arrive and the seat number on board aircraft. We advise you to go to the airport website, look at the map and find out in advance where the terminal you need is located. There you can also find out if a bus (a shuttle) goes to it and how to get to the terminal faster. Such simple steps will allow you to speed up the check-in procedure for your flight and avoid hassle. If you checked in online, you will need to find a self-check-in (a drop-off) counter at the airport.
After you arrive at the airport, look for a departures board. On it you can see information about the flight - the inscription on-time (on time), delayed (the flight is delayed) or cancelled (cancelled). In addition, the information board will show the number of the check-in counter/desk for your flight.
At the check-in desk, airport staff will check your documents. If you only have a ticket, you will be given a boarding pass here. Also, at check-in, you check in all luggage, except for carry-on luggage (carry-on luggage). You can find out more about what hand luggage is allowed in this airline on the company's website.
Are you checking in a vase that you bought as a gift for your beloved grandmother? Then ask to have the mark “fragile” (fragile) on your luggage. Grandma approves! When checking in your luggage, use the following phrases in English:
Airport staff will communicate with you using the following phrases:
| Phrase | Translation |
|---|---|
| May I see your passport, please? | Your passport please. |
| Do you have any luggage? | Do you have luggage? |
| You have to check-in your luggage. | You must check in your luggage. |
| Open your case for examination, please. | Please open your suitcase for inspection. |
| How many pieces of baggage do you have? | How much luggage do you carry? (number of bags) |
| Place your bag on the scale. | Put your bag on the scale. |
| Do you have any carry-on luggage? | Do you have any carry-on baggage? |
| Carry-on can't weigh more than 10 kilos. | The weight of hand luggage must not exceed 10 kg. |
| Your luggage is 6 kilos overweight. | The excess of your luggage is 6 kg. |
| Your luggage is overweight. | Your baggage is overweight. |
| I'm afraid, you'll have to pay for excess luggage. | I'm afraid you will need to pay extra for overweight. |
customs control
You have safely checked in your luggage and are lightly going through customs control. Here your documents will be checked again. In order not to delay yourself and other passengers, put all metal items and electronic devices out of your pockets and go through the metal detector frame. At the same time, hand luggage is also scanned for the presence of prohibited items. Customs officers may use the following phrases when communicating with you:
| Phrase | Translation |
|---|---|
| Put your tablet out of your bag, please. | Please take your tablet out of your bag. |
| Take out your cell phone and place it on the tray, please. | Please take your mobile phone and put it on the tray. |
| Take off any metallic items and put them on this tray, please. | Please remove all metal objects and place them on this tray. |
| You can't take this liquid on the plane. | You cannot take this liquid on a plane. |
| Open the bag, please. | Please open your bag. |
| Do you have anything to declare? | Do you have anything to declare? |
| Do you have anything forbidden in your suitcase: drugs, guns, explosive materials? | Do you have prohibited items in your suitcase: drugs, weapons, explosives? |
| Is there anything sharp or dangerous in your hand luggage? | Do you have any sharp or dangerous items in your hand luggage? |
| I must confiscate these goods. | I have to confiscate these things. |
| You may pass on. | You can pass. |
When communicating with airport staff, the following phrases may come in handy:
| Phrase | Translation |
|---|---|
| I have nothing to declare. | I have nothing to declare. |
| I need a customs declaration form. | I need a declaration form. |
| How much liquor can I take? | How much alcohol can I carry? |
| How many cigarette blocks can I take? | How many packs of cigarettes can I bring? |
| I have only my personal belongings. | I only have personal items. |
Boarding a flight
Did you quickly complete all registration circles? If you have a lot of time, go to the waiting room (a departure lounge). And if you have not only time, but also some money, do not deny yourself the pleasure of walking through a duty-free shop.
You can also walk around the airport grounds. You can navigate on the map - let's see the scheme of Heathrow airport.
| Word/Phrase | Translation |
|---|---|
| public areas | public places |
| passenger areas | places for passengers |
| baby care | mother and baby room |
| baggage claim | place of baggage claim |
| car hire | car rental |
| meeting point | meeting point |
| wireless hotspot | internet access point |
| immigration requirements | immigration control |
| self check-in point | place for self check-in |
| cash machines | ATMs |
| post office | Postal office |
| VAT return | VAT refund stand |
| hotel reservation center | hotel booking center |
| group arrivals meeting point | group meeting point |
| game grid amusements | slot machine hall |
| customs red point | red customs corridor (for goods declaration) |
| airline enquiries | airport information service |
| mezzanine level | the lowest floor |
| first floor | first floor |
After walking around the airport, buying perfumes, cosmetics and grabbing a couple of bottles of good alcohol for gifts, you hear your flight being boarded. Holding your dear purchases and an empty wallet to your chest, go to the desired exit (a departure gate). The gate number is indicated on the boarding pass, as well as on the information screens at the airport. We recommend that you pay attention first of all to the information on electronic displays, as sometimes airports change the gate numbers for a flight shortly before the landing announcement. You will need to show your boarding pass before boarding. Don't lose it: it's usually stamped with a baggage check-in number, so you'll need it upon arrival.
During your stay in the lounge, you may hear various announcements at the airport in English. Understanding them will also be useful:
| Phrase | Translation |
|---|---|
| Tickets and luggage registration for flight number 777 to Moscow proceeds at stand 5. | At counter number 5, the check-in of tickets and luggage for flight number 777 to Moscow continues. |
| Flight number 777 of Lufthansa Airlines has been delayed until 7 p.m. | Lufthansa Airlines flight 777 is delayed until 19:00. |
| Tickets registration for flight number 777 to Moscow is completed. | The registration of tickets for flight number 777 to Moscow has been completed. |
| The gate closes 15 minutes before departure. | The gate closes 15 minutes before departure. |
In airplane
Finally, you are on board the plane. Congratulate yourself - you have successfully passed the most difficult stage of your flight. Now you can relax and get some sleep. Just before that, you need to find your place. To do this, use the following suggestions:
| Phrase | Translation |
|---|---|
| Where is the seat 15A? | Where is location 15A? |
| Could you please direct me to my seat? | Could you show me where is my place? |
| Could I change seats with you? | Can I switch places with you? |
| I would like to change my seat. | I'd like to change seats. |
| Could you help me with my carry-on luggage? | Could you help me with my hand luggage? |
| Could I have a blanket, please? | Could you bring me a blanket, please? |
| I would like something to drink. | I'd like a drink. |
| Can I have another drink? | Can I have another drink? |
| May I recline my seat? | Can I recline my seat back? |
| Sorry, can I get past? | Excuse me, can I go? |
| I don't feel very well. | I feel bad. |
| I want an airsickness bag. | I need a hygiene bag. |
Before or during a flight, a flight attendant makes several important announcements. They usually include the following phrases:
| Phrase | Translation |
|---|---|
| Welcome board. | Welcome aboard. |
| We will be cruising at 10,000 meters. | Our flight will take place at an altitude of 10,000 meters. |
| Please stow your hand luggage in the overhead locker or under the seat in front of you. | Please place your carry-on luggage on a shelf above you or under the seat in front of you. |
| Even if you are a regular traveler, please listen carefully to the following announcement for your own safety. | Even if you travel frequently, please listen carefully to the following safety rules. |
| Please, fasten your seat-belts for maximum security and turn off all electronic devices. Our plane is ready to take off. | Please fasten your seat belts for maximum safety and turn off all electronic devices. Our plane is ready to take off. |
| Make sure your seat belt is fastened. | Make sure your seat belt is fastened. |
| Smoking is prohibited throughout the flight. | Smoking during the flight is prohibited. |
| Your lifejacket is under your seat. | Your life vest located under the seat. |
| The emergency exits are located here, here and here. | Emergency exits are here, here and here. |
| Please put your chairs into an upright position. | Please bring the seat backs to an upright position. |
| We are approaching an area of turbulence. | We are approaching a zone of turbulence. |
| Your oxygen mask will drop down from above. | Your oxygen mask drops out from above. |
| Please, remain seated until the plane comes to a complete standstill. | Please remain in your seats until the aircraft comes to a complete stop. |
At the airport of arrival
Landing! We hope the landing was smooth. To make our phrasebook as complete as possible, let's imagine that you are arriving in an English-speaking country. In this case, at the airport of arrival, you need to go through customs and passport control again, as well as fill out a declaration if you are importing goods for sale or goods whose total value exceeds the established norm. In addition, customs officers will ask about the purpose of arrival and place of accommodation. You may be asked the following questions in English at the airport of arrival:
| Phrase | Translation |
|---|---|
| What is the purpose of your visit? | What is the purpose of your visit? |
| How long are you planning to stay? | How long do you plan to stay in the country? |
| How long do you intend to stay? | How long do you intend to stay here? |
| Where will you be staying? | Where will you stop? |
| Have you ever been to the USA before? | Have you been to the USA before? |
| Have you filled out your customs declaration? | Have you completed the customs declaration form? |
| How much foreign money/currency have you got? | How much foreign currency do you have with you? |
| Any foreign money? | Do you have foreign currency? |
To give a confident answer, use the following phrases:
| Phrase | Translation |
|---|---|
| It is a business trip. | I am on a business trip (about the purpose of my visit). |
| It is a pleasure trip. | I came to rest. |
| I am traveling the world. | I travel the world. |
| I'll be staying for one week. | I am going to stay in the country for one week. |
| I'll be staying at a hotel / relatives place / friends place. | I will stay at a hotel / with relatives / with friends. |
| This is my first visit. | This is my first visit (to the country). |
| May I have another customs form? | Can I have another declaration form? |
The final part of our flight epic is baggage claim. You need to go to the transport belts and see which one has your flight number on it. Upon receipt, be sure to check the number on the boarding pass and the number on the tag on your bag - they must match.
Unseen circumstances
It's good if the flight goes off without a hitch. But what if something happened to you? Contact the airport staff for help using the following phrases:
| Phrase | Translation |
|---|---|
| I have lost my ticket / boarding pass /passport / carry-on luggage. | I have lost my ticket / boarding pass / passport / hand luggage. |
| I have lost my child. | I have lost my child. |
| I have lost my group. | I lagged behind the group (tourist). |
| I didn't receive the claim tag when I checked in. | I did not receive the claim tag when I checked in. |
| My baggage is broken, and some things are missing. | My luggage is damaged and some things are missing. |
| My luggage hasn't arrived. | My luggage has not arrived. |
| My luggage has been lost. | My bag is lost. |
Prepare all the necessary documents in advance and put them in one folder, which will always be in your hands. You can also purchase a handy an aircraft document organizer. We recommend that you make photocopies of all documents and put them in your luggage or hand luggage. That way, if you lose the originals, at least you will have copies, and it will be easier for the police to help you.
2. Do not take anything extra on board
Do not take sharp items with you (sharp items) like a nail file (a nail file) - this will save you unnecessary explanations on customs control. Check the airline's carry-on baggage requirements in advance: food is usually allowed to take baby food, fruit, and even sandwiches. Pack liquids in small containers with a volume of no more than 100 milliliters each and no more than a liter in total and put in a transparent cosmetic bag with a zipper. If you need to take a certain medication for medical reasons, take care of a special certificate from your doctor in advance. It is also worth clarifying whether an umbrella (an umbrella), a suitcase (a suit bag) and a laptop (a laptop) are included in the established weight of hand luggage or are considered separately.
3. Language will bring to London
Even if an unfamiliar airport seems like a labyrinth of the Minotaur to you, remember that there is a way out from here too. Ariadne's thread, or rather, help, will be offered by any airport employee, do not hesitate to contact him. The main thing - do not panic. As soon as you realize that you are lost, find the airport information desk (an information desk) - their desks are located throughout the building.
4. Practice on learning dialogues
In addition to the above phrases, it will also be useful to listen to examples of dialogues that can take place at the airport. As you listen to these audio recordings, repeat the phrases to help you remember them better. You can find airport dialogues in English at espressoenglish.net and talkenglish.com. In addition, it is worth fixing the learned phrases on practical exercises, for example, on the website agendaweb.org, where there are many tasks for those who are going on a trip.
And if you want to feel comfortable on a trip, we suggest you download it - its main character Alexei Chaikin will lead a tour of London and help you communicate with foreigners without any problems.
Complete list of words and phrases for download
At the end, we suggest you download a document that contains all the useful words and phrases from the article.
(*.pdf, 312 Kb)
Now you have stocked up with all the necessary vocabulary for conducting a conversation in English at the airport. Try to remember it and boldly go on the road. We wish you a pleasant flight!
